Agriculture Business Week

A consultation meeting on the anthracnose disease in mango was tackled in a consultation meeting facilitated by Dr. Teodoro Solsoloy, assistant director of the Bureau of Agricultural Research.

Among the participants were Roberto C. Amores, president of Philfoodex and CEO of a mango exporting firm, Director Ricardo Cachuela of the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension, Kevin Yaptengco of the UPLB Institute of Agricultural Engineering, a representative of the Bureau of Plant Industry, and technical personnel of BAR.

The discussion focused on how to address the presence of anthracnose disease in mango fruits, also known as black spots. This disease is caused by a fungus called Colletotrichum gleosporioides and is considered a very serious disease of mango. Anthracnose infects almost all parts of the mango, including flower panicles, twigs, leaves, and fruits of mature as well as immature trees.

Amores who heads Hi-Las Marketing claims that Philippine mangoes are being subjected lately to a series of production and postharvest threats like their physiological characteristics which are susceptible to bacterial contamination, poor handling methods, quarantine protocol, volume of export, and effects of climate change. These are affecting the local mango industry, he said.

BPRE Director Ricardo Cachuela, on the other hand, reported that they are now conducting studies on the application of non-chemical treatment on mangoes as well as fresh bananas through the hot water treatment (HTW). One possible way to completely eradicate anthracnose is the application of chlorine. Their studies showed positive results in terms of controlling the disease.

Dr. Kevin Yaptengco recommended to study further the variables of lowering the heating temperature of HWT and provide longer time or shorter time for immersion. Dr. Yaptengco said they will conduct trials considering the temperature and time protocols.

The consultation meeting concluded with the proposed submission of a Feasibility Study on the Cultural Management of Anthracnose. This would be a collaborative effort among BPRE, UPLB-IAE, Hi-Las Marketing Corporation, BPI and BAR. Among the expected action plan would include the study on re-designing HWT facility, temperature and immersion protocol of HWT, use of chlorine and other non-chemical treatment, and pest and disease management.

The technical side of the proposed study will be initiated by BPRE and UPLB while the research component will be undertaken by BAR in collaboration with other agencies. Results of the study are expected to help solve the anthracnose problem in mango.
By Patrick A. Lesaca, DA-BAR